In October 2013, the Vice and Intelligence Unit was again alerted to an increased number of suspicious spa advertisements on the Internet and again began receiving resident complaints. Detectives re-initiated a series of investigations in an attempt to eliminate the unlicensed spas. These latest investigations have resulted in numerous establishments being closed for a variety of reasons including criminal activities and permitting violations. Among the establishments that have been closed are:

Traditional Wellness – 9867 Main Street in Damascus

Green Apple Massage – 350C Christopher Avenue in Gaithersburg

Sunshine Day Spa – 615 S. Frederick Avenue, Unit B5 in Gaithersburg

Soothing Care Spa – 849C Quince Orchard Boulevard in Gaithersburg

Massage Spring Spa – 11630 Rockville Pike in Rockville

Best Spa – 11625 Nebel Street in Rockville

Massage Center – 589 West Deer Park Road in Gaithersburg

LA Nails – 4928 St. Elmo Avenue in Bethesda

Several individuals associated with the above establishments have been charged via district court summons for providing massage therapy without a license. Other individuals have been charged civilly via the Department of Permitting Services with violations of use and occupancy permits.

The Montgomery County Police Department continues to work with the county’s Department of Licensing, Department of Permitting Services, and Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Maryland Board of Chiropractors, to combat these illegal establishments.

Detectives continue to investigate cases of illegal massage parlors and spas. Anyone with information about illegal activity at massage businesses and spas in Montgomery County is asked to call the Vice and Intelligence Unit at 240-773-5958.